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Make a Simple Location Map for Presentation or Publication

Geospatial Analysis & Mapping Laboratory

April 26, 2022

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Slides: bit.ly/GAMLab3

Dr. Alicia Cowart, GAMLab Director

alicia.cowart@ucdenver.edu

clas.ucdenver.edu/gamlab/

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Agenda

  • Welcome to the GAMLab!
  • Making Maps
    • Introduction
    • Components
    • Methods & Tools
    • Considerations
  • Demo & Practice
    • ArcGIS Online
    • QGIS
    • Adobe Illustrator

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Introduction

Reference Maps

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Thematic Maps

https://www.axismaps.com/guide/what-is-a-map

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Introduction

Location Maps

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Introduction

  • The type of map you are making will determine the method and often the tool or tools you will use.
  • Location maps are the simplest to create, though making a well-designed map is still a complicated process!

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Introduction

What do you want to map today for our simple location map?

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Components

Base map - gives geographical context

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Components

Symbolized data - points, lines, areas

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Components

Labels, annotations, other map elements

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Components

  • Base map
  • Symbolized data
  • Labels and annotations
  • Other map elements if needed
    • Title or caption
    • Scale bar
    • Orientation indicator
    • Inset map
    • Source note
    • Other descriptive text

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Methods

Tracing! By hand or using software

    • Pro: You have complete control over the look of your map. Tracing is a simple and attractive way to make a map if it is well done.
    • Con: Learning to use illustration software is not easy. If tracing is not done well, the map will look amateurish.

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Methods

Use ready-made base map and annotate in your chosen platform

    • Pro: Easiest method
    • Con: Does not produce the most professional or well-designed maps, but can be adequate for a variety of purposes

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Methods

Standard Cartographic Workflow - Create a base map and symbolize data in a GIS; Export to illustration software to finalize layout and design

    • Pro: Make very professional, well-designed maps
    • Con: Learning how to be a cartographer requires many, many hours of training (and one or more semester-long courses!)

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Tools

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

  • ArcGIS Pro
  • ArcGIS Online
  • QGIS

Illustration Software

  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Inkscape

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Disclaimer: This is not an exhaustive list!

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Tools

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

  • ArcGIS Pro - Proprietary
  • ArcGIS Online - Proprietary
  • QGIS - FOSS (Free and Open Source Software)

Illustration Software

  • Adobe Illustrator - Proprietary
  • Inkscape - FOSS (Free and Open Source Software)

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Considerations - Before making the map

What kind of map are you making?

How much time do you have to make the map?

What is the medium in which the map will be displayed?

Which tools will you use to make the map? Do you have access to proprietary software?

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Considerations - While making the map

  • Spatial extent
  • Projection
  • Data Classification
  • Symbolization
  • Generalization
  • Design
  • Map Elements
    • Legend
    • Scale bar
    • Orientation indicator
    • Title, source note, descriptions

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A very useful guide to basic Cartographic Design Principles:

https://www.axismaps.com/guide

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Demo & Practice: ArcGIS Online

  • Log in at fastucdenver.maps.arcgis.com with your campus credentials.
  • Basic Steps:
    • Go to “map” at the top and “Open in new map viewer”
    • Add a base map from the left menu & zoom to your area of interest
    • Click “add sketch” on the right to annotate, label, or add markers
    • Save the map on the left menu and export via Print
  • ArcGIS Online Tutorials: https://learn.arcgis.com/en/gallery/#?p=agol

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Demo & Practice: QGIS

  • Download QGIS software: https://qgis.org/en/site
  • Basic Steps:
    • Add OSM base map OR add QuickMapServices plugin and add a different base map
    • Or, create your own base map using Natural Earth Data
    • Zoom to area of interest
    • Go to the Project menu at the top, select “New Print Layout” and give your map a name. A new layout window will appear.

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Demo & Practice: QGIS continued

  • Basic Steps, continued:
    • Add your map to the layout via the icon on the left labeled “Add Map”
    • Manipulate your map (zoom in/out, etc.) via the “Move item content” icon on the left
    • Under the “Add Item” menu at the top, you can add labels, annotations, and other elements
    • Export and/or save your map via the “Layout” menu at the top
  • QGIS Training Manual: https://docs.qgis.org/3.22/en/docs/training_manual/

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Demo & Practice: Adobe Illustrator

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GAMLab Services

  • Map Production
  • Geospatial Analysis & Consulting
  • Data Compilation & Digitizing
  • Informational Graphics & Poster Design
  • Printing

https://clas.ucdenver.edu/gamlab/services

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